Company's headquarters plan advances

GONZALES, La. - Emerson Process Management has cleared a hurdle in its proposal to locate a regional headquarters in Gonzales.

The Advocate reports the city's Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a zoning variance, from "traditional neighborhood development" to industrial, for Emerson to build a $16 million headquarters at the Edenborne development near Interstate 10 and Louisiana Highway 44.

Emerson is attempting to consolidate its Ascension Parish operations and says it will create about 50 jobs after that's done.

The company says its 105,000-square-foot headquarters would offer space for sales, engineering and service personnel.

The commission's recommendation goes to the City Council for possible approval at its March 18 meeting.